Nato leaders have backed a new strategic concept for the transatlantic
alliance that shifts its priorities from defending Europe against Cold War
adversary Russia to focus against new, unconventional threats.

David Cameron, left, shakes hands with President Barack Obama at the NATO Advisory Council Opening Session in LisbonPhoto: AP

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Nato's secretary-general, said the alliance would have to "develop modern capabilities to deal with modern threats".

The strategic concept – updated every 10 years and released yesterday – acknowledges that that the threat of a "conventional military attack against Nato territory is low".

Instead terrorism, the use of biological, chemical and radiological weapons, nuclear and ballistic missile proliferation, cyber-attacks, and conflicts that could disrupt energy and trade routes are at the forefront of Nato fears.

Building on lessons from Afghanistan, the strategic concept calls on Nato to "further develop doctrine and military capabilities for expeditionary operations, including counter-insurgency, stabilisation and reconstruction".

It also gives special priority to efforts to develop a strategic relationship with Russia.